In a move that was a bit of a surprise, a judge has sentenced both Richard and Mayumi Heene, mom and dad to Falcon Heene, better known as “Balloon Boy,” to jail time for their part in a hoax that captured national attention back in October. The Heenes plead guilty – Richard to felony charges of attempting to influence a public servant and Mayumi to misdemeanor false reporting to authorities. Both were expecting to serve no jail time and be on probation for the plea agreement – but the judge in the case wasn’t having it.

Richard Heene — the moron behind the Balloon Boy hoax — was just sentenced to 90 days in jail for his role in the October incident. The judge has allowed Heene to serve 60 of the 90 days on a “work-release program” — in which he’ll be allowed to seek work as a construction contractor while doing his time.

Richard was also ordered to 4 years probation. The judge also imposed a condition forbidding Richard from profiting from the Balloon Boy hoax during the four year period of his probation.

During the hearing, Heene appeared to be choking back tears and he apologized for the incident.

Heene will begin his sentence on January 11, 2010.

UPDATE: Mayumi Heene was sentenced to 20 days in jail for her role, which she’ll serve after her husband completes his time.

[From TMZ]

In addition, the Heenes were ordered to pay a $42,000 fine – the amount the state of Colorado spent trying to find and rescue Falcon, who was hiding in the garage the whole time. Wow! The state of Colorado doesn’t mess around! Let’s hope this entire story serves as a cautionary tale to famewhore parents around the country. I do feel sorry for the kids, though. Their parents put their own desire to be on TV before the well being of their children. It’s gonna be a weird Christmas in the Heene house, that’s for sure!